The Mind of Makaira

Harvesting Kava Kava

Posted by Makaira on Jun 1, 2007 in The Mind of Makaira | 24 comments

On our farm, we have several acres of Piper methysticum flourishing year round. This shrub thrives at about 500 to 1000 feet above sea level, and we are right within the perfect range for the optimum Kava production. Our plants dwarf us, and are about 20 feet tall, with rhizomes sprawling in every direction from each plant base for about 10 feet. Some rhizomes are below the surface, and some are above the surface, but they can be traced quite easily from the base of the plant. The minimum time to take your first harvest from the shrubs without endangering the shrub is about 3 years. Any...